Learning how to surf was on my bucket list. So, was glad I got to finally go surfing.
We packed our boardshorts & rashguards, and went on a weekend joyride to the surfing paradise of the North, La Union. I third-wheeled Joey and Carmela and chipped in for gas money. Lol.

ALTERNATIVE: if you’re not going on a private car, from Manila, you may take a bus bound for Laoag via Partas (Cubao, Pasay); get off at Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union (you can ask your bus conductor to drop you off in front of your resort, they’ll know where it is). Travel time: 5-7 hours. Fare: around Php 400.00.

We crashed at our friend Nur’s room at Costa Villa Beach Resort. He was checked in there for an official business trip. So convenient, we saved on accommodation! But there are a lot of beach front resorts and cottages that you may choose from.

Beautiful morning. Sun was out. Surf was small, but perfect for learning.

There weren’t many waves but I was able to practice paddling and ride a couple little ones.

I got to stand up by my 3rd attempt.

To be able to ride the waves, in a few tries, in preparation I think you should…

…Love the water;

…Be able to do basic pushups (because you are going to pull yourself up from the surfboard);

…Commute via train, position yourself in the middle, and practice balancing without holding on to anything (or practice your balance on a skateboard).Surfing lesson rates starts at Php 400.00 per person for 1 hour, inclusive of board rental and instructor fee. Board rental is only Php 200.00 per hour (I was told that this rate is the same across all surf schools/resorts).

(That’s my rockin’ instructor right there.)

You either go surfing or sit on the sand like a beached whale because you’re afraid you’ll drown. (But, come on! Water in La Union is just chest-deep, perfect for beginners)

MUST TRY: Halo-halo de Iloko. After surfing, we went to Halo-halo de Iloko Balay @ San Fernando, La Union to grab dinner.

There is nightlife here too. But we played it down – we walked at the beach and picnic in the sand late at night.

Learning how to surf is the best thing that’s happened to me all summer!